Traits That Make Athletes GreatSample

Knowing How To Win

It’s clear when we reflect on the career of basketball legend Bill Russell, that he knew what it took to win.

According to ESPN’s Paul Hembekides, “Bill Russell played 21 winner-take-all games in his career. His teams went 21-0. 10 of those were NBA Game 7s, and in them, he played 488 of 495 minutes and averaged 29.3 rebounds.”

Despite his personal accolades, Russell understood that winning was truly achieved by focusing on others. He always wanted the attention to be on the team’s accomplishments.

As we reflect on Russell’s selflessness, I want to unpack what it means to win in life.

Society tells us that it’s all about individual accolades: our large bank account, our big brand, and our impressive efforts being recognized.

However, just like the basketball court, winning in life is not about individual success.

Instead, it’s about serving others and making teammates better. We put ourselves in a position to experience true winning, blessings, and joy when our focus isn’t on ourselves.

Psalm 1:1-3 says, “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law, he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.”

But what does it really mean to prosper?

The ESV Study Bible notes for this passage explain, “A tree bears fruit, not for itself, but for others; thus, when the faithful prospers, it is not for himself, nor is the prospering even necessarily material, but he succeeds in bringing benefit to others.”

It’s counterintuitive, but we win when we help others win.

Let’s be encouraged today to follow the example of Jesus, who “…did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You would change my perspective on what it means to live a life that is blessed. Help me understand blessings come from serving and being generous. Keep me rooted in You and delighted in Your Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.